I had heard rumors from friends and on the Internet, but finally I found the source I was looking for. Delta Waterfowl has reported – based on the annual Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey conducted each May by the US Fish & Wildlife Service and Canadian Wildlife Service – that overall duck numbers are the highest in recorded history; mallard numbers alone are up 15% since 2011 and up 40% over their long-term average.

In particular interest to Florida hunters – since we don’t get a large number of greenheads – blue-winged teal are up 3% since last year and green-wings up 20%. Also, shovelers have increased by 8% and scaup showed a gain of 21%. Gadwall (10%), wigeon (3%), and canvasback(10%) also improved their stocks.

Not all of it was positive. Pintail are down 22% while redheads took a dive of 6%, though they are still up by 89% over their long-term average, the highest increase in the history of the survey. Also, while the overall number of ducks increased, the percentage of seasonal breeding ponds is down due to decreased moisture. While habitat preservation and the occassional rain dance is critical to the long-term health of duck species, the overall pond count is still 9% over average.

So what do all these numbers mean for the duck hunter? Well, obviously, it means the potential for a better hunting season. But, the survey warns, the decrease in smaller seasonal ponds and the concentration of large numbers of ducks on fewer wetlands negatively impacts the breeding success, leading to a lower population of young ducks this fall.

About This Blog

Ian Nance is a lifelong resident of Central Florida with a passion for hunting and just about anything related. Associate Member of the Florida Outdoor Writers Association. Check back weekly for hunting stories, news, tips, and wild game recipes. Feel free to leave comments or e-mail topics you would like to see addressed here. Contact at inance880@aol.com or follow on Twitter @good_hunt